European influences meld with local heritage in vibrant Chennai. The ‘capital of the south’ is keeper of South India’s cultural and artistic traditions, with dramatic temples and churches, interesting museums, and enthusiastic locals. Venture out and surprise yourself with its assorted charms.
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Chennai
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Art and History
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The Government Museum
The Government Museum
The Bronze Gallery in this museum is our Chennai secret. It has a wonderful collection of South Indian bronze artworks dating from the 7th-century Pallava Era to modern times. The well-articulated English explanations of the pieces make this gallery a joy to explore.
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Explore The Madras Crocodile Bank
Explore The Madras Crocodile Bank
The brainchild of eminent herpetologist Romulus Whitaker, the Madras Crocodile Bank is home to eighteen of the world’s twenty-three species of crocodilian (crocodiles and related species), many of which are endangered. The hour’s drive from the city is worth the rewarding interactions you will have.
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Visit Enfield Factory
Visit Enfield Factory
A factory tour to see the home of the Royal Enfield Bullet allows you a glimpse into the production of this classic Indian icon. Watch the motorcycles being made the traditional way on the two-hour tours that are held on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, with advance booking.
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Browse Through a Chennai Institution
Browse Through a Chennai Institution
Higginbothams has been around for over one hundred and fifty years and holds the distinction of being appointed the bookseller to King Edward, who was then the Prince of Wales, in 1875. The flagship store on Mount Road claims to be the country’s oldest bookshop and stocks a wide range of books.
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Take Home Flavours Of The South
Take Home Flavours Of The South
Chennai’s home-style snacks are great at teatime, addictive and made to last. You won’t be able to stop at just one kai murukku, a flavourful handmade local pretzel, or crunchy mulluthenguzhal (rice-flour spiral). These edible souvenirs make for great bar snacks.
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Shiva Kapleeshwarar Temple
Shiva Kapleeshwarar Temple
This temple showcases the typical Dravidian style of architecture, with its square Vimana that houses the sanctum sanctorum beneath a towering pyramid roof. Pay your respects at this ancient house of worship as you observe the gopuram (gateway), mandapams (pavilions) and other classical features.
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Visit San Thome Cathedral
Visit San Thome Cathedral
This marks what is said to be the final resting place of St. Thomas the Apostle, believed to have brought Christianity to India. The entrance to his tomb is behind the cathedral. St. Thomas is estimated to have been killed at St. Thomas Mount, also in Chennai, in 72AD.
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Marvel at the Shiva Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Marvel at the Shiva Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Set in bustling Mylapore and built in the Dravidian style, Chennai’s most impressive temple features the typical elements found in famous temple cities in Tamil Nadu, like a rainbow-coloured gateway tower (gopuram), a massive tank and pavilions (mandapams).
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Pick a Pattu
Pick a Pattu
Kancheevaram saris and pattus (silks), crafted by skilled artisans in nearby Kanchipuram, make great gifts. Famed for the unique weaving method used in their creation and distinctive patterns, these saris are adorned in gold and silver threads. Visit Nalli Chinnasami Chetty to be spoilt for choice.
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Do As The Locals Do On Marina Beach
Do As The Locals Do On Marina Beach
Hit this bustling beach early in the morning for the sunrise or late in the evening ¬– when it’s cooler. A stroll along its sands is a great way to get your hand on the pulse of the city as you immerse yourself for a bit in the vibrant local atmosphere.
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Santhome Cathedral
Santhome Cathedral
Believed to mark the final resting place of St Thomas the Apostle, credited with bringing Christianity to India, this soaring Roman Catholic cathedral was built in 1504 by the Portuguese and rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style in 1896. Don’t miss the entrance to the saint’s tomb behind the cathedral
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